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Celebrating the Summer Solstice

December 20, 2018

I don't have a favourite season but I do have favourite things about each season. I love how the snow sticks to the trees in the winter, how bright the first growth is in the spring, how breathtaking and fleeting the fall leaves are and the sun in the summer!

I also enjoy spending the Summer Solstice with my family, celebrating the sun!

What is the Summer Solstice?

The Summer Solstice is the longest day and shortest night of the year which happens to be around June 21st. It is the day of the year when the Northern Hemisphere is closest to the sun and is also sometimes called Midsummer or the 1st Day of Summer.

In ancient times, this day was used to celebrate the abundance of light and joy around us. We have come out of the fertile spring and a period of renewal. As the earth comes into bloom, flowers grow into ripening fruit or energetic beautiful blossoms and nature has lots to offer.

It is also the day that the nights will continue to grow longer and the days become shorter and shorter as the Winter Solstice and dark days approach

It is a time that we express our gratitude for the sun and the abundance it provides for us. To be thankful for it and to revisit intentions, goals, or resolutions we set for ourselves durning the Winter Solstice.

Flower Crown for Summer Solstice

Ways we celebrate the Summer Solstice..

Connect with the earth

I love to spend the Summer Solstice with my hands or feet in the earth gardening, grounding, or taking off with the family to take a hike. Other ancient traditions include watching the sunrise and sunset during the Summer Solstice but basically, you want to celebrate the day outside.

Spend time connecting with earth during the Summer Solstice

Express Gratitude

Although we try to practise gratitude on the regular, taking a 'Gratitude Moment' during the Summer Solstice is a fun way to celebrate it. We Express our gratitude for the sun, the light of the sun, the warmth of the sun, and the life that comes from the sun. And being grateful is really good for your mental health and invites positive things into your life.

We do this when we sit down for a meal, each of us gets a chance to express what we are grateful for. This is how we have our 'Gratitude Moments' but you can also have a gratitude journal!

Check in with your Intentions

Remember your New Years Resolutions, or Winter Solstice intentions you set? Reflect on them and see where you are at. It is a great time to reflect on those goals or intentions and make new ones. This helps to keep myself focused on my path, my goals and manifest what I really want.

Bonfire to celebrate the Summer Solstice

Gather with those you love to celebrate

In our family, this usually consists of spending the day together.

In ancient times, there would be a gathering around a bonfire, but we have never been a place where a bonfire would be permitted.

You can also indulge in a feast of seasonal veggies, salads, fruits, and vegetables that have been ripened by the sun! A family favourite to drink at this time of year is our Sweet Hibiscus Tea!

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